DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2017/2018

Undergraduate Course: Cinema and Society in the Middle East (IMES10035)

Course Outline

School

School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures

College

College of Humanities and Social Science

Credit level (Normal year taken)

SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate)

Availability

Available to all students

SCQF Credits

20

ECTS Credits

10

Summary

The course aims to open a window for students to explore and understand contemporary Middle-Eastern society through film. In a world increasingly defined and understood through images and the media, the importance of studying these constructions and representations are pertinent in any study of a particular region and culture.

Course description

Much of the Middle East and Muslims generally, are continually subject to Western stereotypes, these images offer us little understanding of their aspirations, challenges and achievements. This course will study Muslim culture and society through the lens of film, with a focus on Iranian cinema as a case study. The course will examine a number of topics including the encounter of tradition and modernity, issues of gender as well as the various ways in which both men and women engage with traditional and modern norms. It will also look at representations of women at various points in Iranian history as well as the construction of female images by women themselves. Censorship and the use of film as propaganda, film and its engagement with religion, diaspora and their contributions to the rich debates on society and identity are some of the other topics that will be explored in this course.

Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)

Pre-requisites

Co-requisites

Prohibited Combinations

Other requirements

Before enrolling students on this course, you are asked to contact the IMES Secretary to ensure that a place is available (Tel: 504182, e-mail imes@ed.ac.uk).

Information for Visiting Students

Pre-requisites

Visiting students should have at least 3 courses in a suitable subject area at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). Only University/College level courses will be taken into consideration. This will be checked by the Visiting student office.